Chapter 15

"...It's hot."

My vision wavered in the heat haze.

Two o'clock in the afternoon—the hottest part of the day.
This must be what they mean by "sweltering heat."
Sweat kept pouring out uncomfortably.

"It was so cool just last week..."

The talk about this summer being unseasonably mild now felt like a lie.
Today’s sun burned with a vengeance, as if making up for its earlier lethargy.

"Haah..."

I stood in the shopping district near school.
The usually bustling street was eerily empty today.

...I want to be somewhere with AC. Right now.

I glanced around for any nearby shops I could duck into.
A café and a fast-food place came into view.
Peering inside through the windows...

...No good.

Guess everyone had the same idea.
Both were packed.
Too crowded for someone socially awkward like me.

Other shops were probably the same.
Resigned, I trudged toward home.

Each step felt heavier as I dragged myself down the road.

"It's so hot..."

By the time I reached my apartment complex, my shirt was drenched enough to wring out.
Too impatient to wait for the elevator, I mustered the last of my strength to climb the stairs.
Thankfully, I only lived on the second floor—a small mercy I deeply appreciated now.

Dreaming of my air-conditioned room, I unlocked the door.

"I'm home."

Cool air enveloped me.
The relief of my overheated body finally cooling down was blissful.

"Phew..."

I exhaled heavily, tension melting away.
Then came the sound of quick footsteps from inside.

"Welcome back."

Yuu appeared with a smile.
Her golden hair and blue eyes looked refreshing against the heat-fogged haze in my mind.

"Whoa, you’re drenched. Here—a cold towel."

She handed me a chilled towel.
The coolness against my skin was instant relief.

"Thanks."

Wiping my face, I could almost feel the trapped heat leaving my body.
It was so comforting, like the day’s exhaustion was washing away.

She’d only started doing this three days ago, but I was already hooked. I couldn’t imagine surviving without it now.

"Go change, quick. You’ll catch a cold like that."
"Right, yeah. Got it."

Nudged by Yuu, I headed to the changing area.
As I closed the door, I caught her smiling at me.

Changed and refreshed, I returned to the living room.
Yuu was arranging something on the table.

"What’s that?"

"Ice cream. I found a recipe online and tried making it."

A scoop of vanilla ice cream sat neatly on a plate, looking irresistibly delicious.

I grabbed a spoon and took a bite.

"Cold and sweet... perfect."

"Glad you like it."

She beamed as I gave my verdict, then set an iced coffee in front of me.

"Ahh..."

A sip of coffee, a contented sigh.

Ever since the cookies a month ago, Yuu had occasionally surprised me with homemade sweets.
Cookies led to bread, then pancakes, pudding, and just last week—a rolled cake. Each one delicious, and each time, I looked forward to them more.

"Seriously, this is amazing."

Another spoonful of ice cream.
The sweetness seeped into my tired body.

...Summer, huh.

Just moments ago, I’d been suffering from the heat. But now, eating this, the season felt real in a different way.

"......"

I had no summer memories to speak of.

I’d always been alone.
Reading books at home didn’t count as "memories" in my book.

In elementary school, I’d watch other kids play outside from my window.
By middle school, I’d convinced myself this was fine.
In high school, I’d given up entirely.

That was my summer break—every year.

"...But."

This year was different.
I looked up. Across the table, Yuu was eating ice cream too.

...Yeah. This summer’s going to be a good one. I could feel it.